Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11 (KJV)
Context
This verse records the climax of the wise men’s long journey from the East. They entered a house in Bethlehem, not the stable of the nativity, and saw the young child Jesus with Mary His mother. The Greek word translated “young child” (paidion) indicates that some time had passed since His birth. The wise men, likely Gentile astrologers, were among the first to worship Jesus. Their reverent response stands in sharp contrast to the hostility of Herod, who sought to destroy the child.
Meaning
The wise men’s immediate response upon seeing Jesus was to fall down and worship Him. This posture of total physical submission was not casual respect but genuine homage, acknowledging His supreme authority and divine nature. Their worship sets a timeless example: all who encounter Christ are called to respond with humble adoration. Then they opened their treasures and presented gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each with profound symbolic meaning.
Gold: Historically recognized as the metal of royalty, gold does not tarnish, symbolizing eternity. By presenting gold, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as the eternal King, the prophesied ruler who would shepherd God’s people. This truth contrasts with the insecure, earthly reign of Herod.
Frankincense: A resin used in temple worship, frankincense produced a fragrance representing the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This gift points to Christ’s role as the ultimate High Priest, the perfect mediator between a holy God and humanity.
Myrrh: Used to anoint bodies after death and valued for healing properties, myrrh foreshadowed Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. It revealed that this eternal King and great High Priest was born with a redemptive purpose: to suffer, die, and bring spiritual healing to a broken world. The shadow of the cross was present even in His earliest days.
Biblical connections
The wise men’s costly offerings also provided practical resources for the family’s later flight to Egypt, showing God’s provision through their obedience.
Application
The wise men’s example challenges believers to offer their lives, resources, and devotion to Christ with the same willing and joyful spirit. Their gifts were brought out of sincere worship, reflecting the truth that all wealth belongs to the Lord. The treasures we possess are best used when surrendered at the feet of Jesus, recognizing Him as sovereign Lord worthy of our finest gifts.
Reflection
True worship involves both reverence and costly giving. The wise men did not hold back their best; they presented treasures fit for a king. As we consider their example, we are invited to examine our own response to Christ—do we approach Him with humble adoration and offer Him our utmost? The shadow of the cross in the myrrh reminds us that His worth is infinite, deserving of everything we have.
